BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces on Tuesday demolished two structures and delivered demolition notice to several homes in the Silwan neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, according to official Palestinian Authority (PA)-owned Wafa news agency.

Wafa reported that Israeli police escorted bulldozers into Silwan in the early morning hours and demolished a commercial store and an agricultural structure used to house animals.

The police also reportedly handed demolition notices to a number of local Palestinian families, informing them of the Israeli Jerusalem Municipality’s intention to destroy their homes, citing construction without an Israeli permit, Wafa said.

Israeli police forces also reportedly raided multiple shops in the neighborhood and confiscated some contents, including the content of a gas distribution company, as well as vehicles that were parked outside the stores.

Forces also raided a restaurant in the area and confiscated seven gas cylinders from the restaurant.

Silwan is one of many Palestinian neighborhoods in East Jerusalem that has seen an influx of Israeli settlers at the cost of home demolitions and the eviction of Palestinian families.

According to UN documentation, as of December 18, 139 Palestinian-owned structures were demolished by Israel in East Jerusalem since the beginning of the year, displacing at least 228 Palestinians. A total of 190 Palestinian buildings were demolished in East Jerusalem in 2016.